I have shared in previous posts that I have not been able to get into a pain clinic and was faced with having to go back to Montana where my work comp came from to be treated any further. There was one chance and that was a PMS that was setting up practice here (Oregon) moving from Mass. He finally has opened his practice and I am to be one of the first patient. I go in Early Monday Morning, the first day his opffice is open. I have been waiting for over 6 months. Now I hope and pray my expectations are fulfilled regarding finding some relief. I don't expect a total healing and never any pain, although that would be ok, just to be able to sleep and work without too much pain. I will keep my frineds updated. I need a little bit of good news right now.

Fatherjohn,That's wonderful news indeed, especially with all you've been going through lately. I hope you'll really tell him how bad it's been for you, and ask for help. I know it's not easy for us helpers to ask, and tell even our doctors sometimes how bad it is. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

I also hope maybe you can take some time off - a day or two. At the very minimum the upcoming weekend. I know you're the Director which puts a lot of the burden on you, but ask yourself what would happen if you were in a serious accident and hospitalized and could not help out at all? I'll bet there are some people who would step in and at least put band aids on the problem while you were recuperating. What is you were out of town? Please, take care of yourself while you're taking care of others. I wish I was closer so I could help some.

PAlady, I am getting ready for finals next week and then the break should come. I have teachers for all the classes but one and I might have one for that class as well. This will take a big burden off me. I have been teaching 5 classes this quarter plus all my other duties. We have centers in PA and I have spend time there as my father was from the Hershey area. I too wish you were closer, I use volunteers all the time and it builds great relationships. You have a wonderful way of encouraging others and don't forget to treat yourself with a little special care as well.

Thank you for your kind words! Five classes in a quarter plus other duties? Yikes! I taught college for 12 years so I know what teaching is like. More time than most people realize in planning, grading, advising, and actual classroom time.

If you're ever going to be in PA let me know, although I'm up in the northwestern corner of the state, several hours from Hershey.

Father John, I'm glad a pain management clinic is in your area and hope your first doctor visit goes good...Keep us posted, when you can...{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGZ}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}********************************************** * Asthma, Allergies, Osteoarthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Degenative Disc, Fibromyalgia, Gerd, Enlarged Pituitary Gland ******** "We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world" from Helen Keller *********

just wanted to add my best wishes on your new Dr. along with everyone else's.Hope that he can help you bunches.Lost half of my small intestineJan.2008.Ilieostomy for 5 months then reverst in June 2008,Nerve damage to right leg,part of my right hip bone removed Jan. 2008,Cronic pain,hernia,infection in my back called discites,and depression.Gallbladder removed Nov,2008.Surgery to fuse L3 and L4 vertabra Dec. 31,2008.Mother to 9 kids 7 boys 2 girls and 1 stepson.4 grandsons,9 grandaughters.4 of my grandkids I inherited from my twin sister who passed away 6 1/2 years ago from a blood clot after surgery.God has given me my life back after I almost lost it.Even though its a painful and sometimes hard road to walk I take it one step at a time and give thanks to god for every step I take.

I will keep you all posted as Monday comes. A new doctor in town and the first patient. I will try and break him in right. No sense letting him have too easy of a time on his first day here. Should I take a gift?

F.J. I don't know how I missed this post but Rock-On Father! That is Great news. I'm tickled that you are getting what you hoped for and needed so badly! You deserve it and I'm sure you will be taken care of right and break this guy/girl in just fine!Congradulations F.J.Your bud,Pete56 years old, Surgury, Radical Prostatectomy 8/20/03, PSA 6.6, Gleason 3 + 3 = 6, Adenocarcinoma extent (moderate) Stage & Margin:T2NOMX, No Metastases, Organ Confined, bone scan: Neg. 3 1/2 years of depression after surgery prior to Hypogonadizm DX, Testosterone Theropy> new 2/6/09> 400mg injections every 2weeks . 56 and so glad to still be here to see my two sons grow up to be fine young men. They are both serving in the US Navy, one on the aircraft carrier USS John Stennis in port in Japan and the other on a Gator Freighter USS Bataan stationed in Norfolk, Va. I am one proud PaPa!